AUTUMN 2018

The magazine for a real taste of

St James’s

Café Murano and the making of the world’s

best pasta

Meet the women of the vine: Berry Bros. & Rudd

and Wine Car Boot

Art for every taste: nostalgia at Illustration Cupboard and timless

Art Deco at Pullman Gallery and Le Caprice

Fashion flavours: Showcase arrives with

the Next Big Thing

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Calendar Ideas

Christmas Lights Switch OnFollowing a sizzling summer at St James’s Market including tennis on the big screen, Secret Sunrise, (a wake-me-up combination of yoga, dance, meditation, mindfulness and a silent disco) live music and foodie pop-ups, the autumn calendar has been in full swing, too. There’s been the return of Secret Sunset Sounds; live gigs at the Pavilion (best enjoyed from the terraces of the restaurants) plus regular visits from Wine Car Boot, your pop-up chance to taste, drink and walk away with independent wines. Christmas arrives in the Market on November 15th, with a special shopping evening which includes the lights being switched on. See the website (below) for the latest and make sure you read our interview with the founder of Wine Car Boot on p.18, too.

Info on forthcoming events: stjameslondon.co.uk

Talks at the London LibraryDid you know that there are over 17 miles of bookshelves to explore on St James’s Square? The London Library has an illustrious history, with authors such as Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie, Bram Stoker and Virginia Woolf having used its facilities over nearly 200 years. The Library’s talks and events series often get booked up, so grab a ticket now for autumn highlights, including prize-winning author Mohammed Hanif discussing his novel Red Birds (Oct 11th) and Agnes Poirier on her book Left Bank, about art, passion and the rebirth of Paris from 1940-1950.

More info & tickets: londonlibrary.co.uk

Gallery HighlightsSt James’s art galleries provide an endless series of exhibitions to pick from. This autumn, make sure you catch a major Anni Albers retrospective, Connections: Prints 1963 - 1984, at the Alan Cristea Gallery (pictured below right). It includes unseen archival material from this overlooked Bauhaus artist. Also experience Julie Mehretu’s large-scale gestural paintings at White Cube. Her huge canvases start with original news photgraphy, then each painting is built up through an intricate layering process of screen printing, ink drawing and acrylic marks. Meanwhile, a showcase of new paintings by Sue Williams, currently at Skarstedt, offer her signature cartoon-like abstract swirls, which challenge sexuality, gender, violence, and aggression.

Full details of each show from: alancristea.com, whitecube.com & skarstedt.com

Take a Masterclass The ongoing St James’s Masterclass series autumnal highlights include a masterclass on martinis with Dukes, and a chance to delve into the world of diamonds with Vashi. Or try your hand at screen printing, with a workshop conducted by the head designer at Jigsaw, (22 Regent Street St James’s, Thursday 6th December) followed by a sparkling champagne reception for all attendees.

More info on all Masterclasses & tickets: stjameslondon.co.uk/events

Discover Christie’s LatesThis new series of free monthly events aims to bring art to life and inspire conversation between like-minded art lovers, after darkness has fallen. You’ll find highlights from Christie’s upcoming auctions, interactive activities, talks by guest experts and lots of lovely food and drink to go with it.

More info & tickets: christies.com/exhibitions/christies-lates

From theatre to music, art events to food tastings, here are some local dates for the diary this season

Bear with us for a moment please, as we make a slightly indulgent analogy, and equate St James’s with... a hearty meal. It’s a neighbourhood that immediately conjures up thoughts of a most sumptuous and bountiful feast, right? Without labouring the point (especially within the confines of a 200 word introduction), the place is infused with a myriad of different, always wonderous flavours.

This may take the most literal form; enjoying the world class pasta being made at Café Murano (see p.4), discovering the exceptional vintages held in Berry Bros. & Rudd’s historic wine cellars (p.6) or savouring the truly international smorgasbord on offer at the London Restaurant Festival (p.24).

Equally, it can mean the broad range of creative and artistic flavours in the area. So we revel in the perennially en vogue glamour of Art Deco at Le Caprice restaurant, and nearby Pullman Gallery (p.10 & 11), delve into the emotive beauty of children’s books at Illustration Cupboard (p.8), celebrate the debut of the Regent Street & St James’s Design District (p.21) and a ‘permanent pop-up’ home for cutting edge fashion at Showcase (p.22).

Plenty to enliven the cerebral taste buds, if you’ll forgive us our food metaphor just once more.

Creative direction curation by Mr. President

Published byLondon Belongs to Me

Ltd, 2018londonbelongstome.info

Editorial Tom Kihl

Clare Hand Miranda EasonRussell Higham

Laura EvansMatthew Day

DesignTan Doan

Cover ImageSimon Jefferis

Websitestjameslondon.co.uk

Social@StJamesLondon

Email: editors@

stjameslondon.co.uk

Please contact us if you have any comments,

stories or wish to stock St James’s

Correspondent 

Next edition published: Winter 2019

St James’s London, The Crown Estate, 

1 St James’s Market, London, SW1Y 4AH

AUTUMN 2018

Welcome

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WEST / FOODWEST / FOOD

“Produce needs to be the highest calibre in order

for the process to be the best”

Pasta Perfection

Café Murano’s Northern Italian

staples are a cut above the rest. Here’s why

What makes Café Murano stand out in terms of its pasta? “Simple,” says executive chef Sam Williams. “We use super fresh eggs which have a rich yolk, as well as finely-milled ‘00’ flour from a skilful artisan. We make our dough twice daily and are uncompromising when it comes to suppliers and staff development. Our produce needs to be the highest calibre in order for the process to be the best.”  

Sam has an impressive background in the industry, including roles at the OXO Tower, One Great George Street and events such as Goodwood and the Festival of Speed. She connected with Angela Hartnett (owner of Miche-lin-starred Murano) whilst working alongside her at the London 2012 Olympics, and soon after, plans for a casual version of the eatery were put in motion. By November 2013 the doors had opened.

How does being located in St James’s add an element to the process? “It’s a wonderful spot,” says Sam, “we’ve always had a lot of regulars. I love the clientele we attract; it’s a pleasure to cook here.”

The redevelopment of the area has seen initiatives such as the food waste programme being implemented. “That’s really helped all the restaurants in the vicinity,” says Sam.

Sitting in the laid-back yet intimate space on a Wednesday evening, there’s a buzzy atmosphere, service is sure-footed and the food top-notch. Standout is a primi of al dente tortellini filled with intensely meaty homemade ‘nduja. “We try to keep the dishes as authentic as possible,” says Sam.

Their use of simple but exceptional ingredients shines through. “Our hand-rolled tagliolini with tuna and in-house made pomodoro is a prime example of this,” says Sam. “The base consists of onion, basil and San Marzano tomatoes, and we finish it with chilli peppers, capers, anchovies and then a generous glug of extra virgin olive oil. We confit the fish ourselves.”

And the signature tagliatelle with sausage ragu and hazelnuts? “Tuscan rare breed pork is mixed with fennel and garlic and the sauce is made-to-order with freshly chopped radicchio (bitter lettuce), parsley and roasted nuts.”

First-rate pasta is served in relaxing surroundings, but that’s not all on offer. We devour our secondis greedily: blushing veal atop coco beans, dinky

grelot onions and pleasingly tart dried cherries; slices of tender lamb rump, well-balanced with olives and a dollop of goat curd. Washed down with a bottle of wine from the Foradori family; a pal-ette-awakening biodynamic red made from the grape variety Teroldego. To finish? Light and airy almond and dark chocolate cake accompanied by silky smooth amaretto gelato. Delizioso.

Words: Laura Evans

33 St James’s Street, SW1A 1HDcafemurano.co.uk

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WEST / WINEWEST / WINE

Wine, Women and HistoryBerry Bros. & Rudd may be Britain’s oldest wine

merchant, but it’s never been an old boys club

Words: Matthew Day

“I’m feeling a touch of awe

yet again”

“They employ six Masters of Wine, and four of these

are women”

Operating from a most traditional, double shop front at No.3 St James’s Street, Berry Bros. & Rudd is Britain’s most venerable wine and spirits merchant, est. 1698. The company was first a coffee shop and then diversified into tea, cocoa, spices and snuff, evolving into one of London’s most fashionable grocers, serving the court of St James’s and the thriving community that grew up around it. George Berry joined the company in 1803 and started to develop the wine and spirit side of the business, though it wasn’t until the 20th century that fine libations became their sole focus.

Walking through St James’s amongst the bespoke shirt-makers, the humidors, badger hair shaving brushes and fine pomades, I’m always struck somewhat in

modern experience. I’m feeling a touch of awe yet again. So Gemma offers me a restorative glass of The King’s Ginger, a ginger liqueur formulated by Berry Bros. & Rudd and the King’s physician to revive poor Edward VII from the rigors of cold car journeys, as she talks history, revealing that women have always been at the heart of the business.

The company was established by Widow Bourne in 1698 and today is run by Lizzy Rudd a direct descendant of

Hugh Rudd, who was brought in as a partner to the Berry brothers in 1851. Berry Bros. & Rudd now employ six Masters of Wine (there are only 370 worldwide), more than any other company, and four of these are women.

At the heart of the operation is a wine school that runs courses for all levels, to demystify the world of wine. It was the first UK merchant to develop a web presence (1994) and the first to open offices in Japan, Singapore and China. In 2015, they appointed Dan Jago (whose father invented Baileys), formerly the Group Wine Director at Tesco, as its first Chief Executive to further modernise operations.

BBR remains unquestionably and gloriously traditional, yet is also progressive, consumer-centric, diverse, and boasts centuries of female influence.

I grab an unplanned bottle of Berry’s Good Ordinary Claret at £9.95 and head home, suitably educated, and struck as ever, by a visit to St James’s.

awe to be surrounded by such a wealth of timeless tradition. To the extent that by the time I reach No.3, I’m visualising the vintage charts of noble Clarets and Ports that I have spent the last week learning in order to pass muster. I feel ready to dust off a bottle, pulled ceremoniously from the cellars below one of London’s most traditional retail establishments.

I am met inside the beautiful, time-worn door of No.3 by BBR’s Gemma Duncan, who immediately whisks me around the corner to the new shop at 63 Pall Mall. Gleaming banks of wine dispensers allow you to try 24 wines by-the-glass here, from as little as £1. The staff are young, knowledgeable and most-importantly unintimidating, while an award winning own-label wine range starts at £8.75, rising to £25,000 for DRC La Romanée 1999, with over 1,000 wines to choose from. For a retailer that’s been here over 300 years, it couldn’t be a more

Left: Direct descendant and present day Chair, Lizzy Rudd. Right: A BBR wine tasting event (picture by Jason Lowe)Below: the stunning, historic shop interior at 3 St James’s Street

Berry Bros. & Rudd, 63 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5HZBBR regularly offer special tastings and events in their historic cellars Info & tickets: bbr.com/wine-events

8 9

WEST / GALLERIESWEST / GALLERIES

A Fountain of YouthIllustration Cupboard is a fairytale oasis of children’s

book art, but it delights serious grown-ups tooWords: Clare Hand

It is impossible to take a wander around Bury Street’s tranquil Illustration Cupboard gallery without being struck by constant little bursts of nostalgia. The walls are lined with such familiar – if fantastical – faces; the monsters from Where the Wild Things Are; the bunnies from Guess How Much I Love You; Elmer the Patchwork Elephant. These are joined by a whole host of other original sketches too, drawn by the artists behind some of the most prolific children’s book imagery of the last century.

Founder John Huddy’s vision happened “quite by accident, as most things in life,” he tells us, when we drop

in for a chat. His mother was a well-known writer and publisher who worked alongside artists like Raymond Briggs, Anthony Browne and Quentin Blake. “So I grew up knowing a lot of these writers and artists personally,” says John, “they used to come round to ours for tea.”

Having studied History of Art at St. Andrews, then worked for a time at renowned St James’s auction house Christie’s, John initially fancied himself as an artist. “I told my mother I wanted to be a painter, and was met with

absolute silence; which wasn’t a good thing,” he remembers. “She suggested I sell art instead, and here we are.”

John has most certainly flourished in a niche market, establishing one of the first companies to really develop the angle of appreciating and trading in contemporary book illustration.

Spread across three floors, the Illustration Cupboard now represents many of today’s most distinguished contemporary illustrators; you’ll spot works by artists from London to Berlin, Mumbai to Queensland. The gallery has constantly rotating exhibitions, themed events and a much-loved annual winter exhibition.

On the afternoon of our visit, John has just returned from lunch with the legendary 95-year-old Judith Kerr; writer and illustrator of enduring classics The Tiger Who Came to Tea and the Mog series. “We are working at the top level of this industry,” he says, “so I am constantly meeting fascinating people from all over the world. They are all such genuinely creative people – nothing they do is ever derivative – and they are all highly intelligent. They effectively make something that is very difficult to do look very easy. That is a real talent.”

For John, it is the diversity of the illustration world that makes his work so rewarding. “A lot of art collecting is very specialised,” he says “but this field is so diverse and accessible, it cuts across the whole range of society. We’ll get very serious art collectors popping in to the gallery one minute, shortly followed by a family who have made a day trip to London just to come and have a look around.”

“They effectively make something

that’s very difficult to do

look very easy”

Above: Angela Barrett (b.1955) – The Emperor’s New ClothesBelow: Shaun Tan (b. 1974) – The New Flame

22 Bury Street, SW1Y 6AL, illustrationcupboard.com

10 11

Some of London’s finest examples of this timeless style can be enjoyed - and purchased - in St James’s

WEST / DESIGN WEST / DESIGN

The RestaurantLe Caprice, which opened in 1947 a few doors down from the Ritz Hotel, is one of London’s best loved restaurants — even Princess Diana named it as her personal favourite. And it’s the chic Art Deco interior, as much as the excellent food, that has made this elegant St James’s dining room so perennially popular. A grand 1920s cruise ship aesthetic greets you as soon as you walk in the door. There’s a long sweeping cocktail bar counter with tall bevel-edged mirrors behind it; handsomely dressed waiters scurrying back and forth through shiny ebony doors, and chrome-

Art Deco at Le Caprice and Pullman Gallery

Words: Russell Higham

“a grand 1920s cruise ship

aesthetic greets you”

Le Caprice, 20 Arlington St, SW1A 1RJ le-caprice.co.uk

Pullman Gallery, 14 King St, SW1Y 6QUpullmangallery.com

The GalleryTo add a touch of Le Caprice elegance to your home, wander through Piccadilly Arcade into the heart of St James’s where, handily placed right next to Christie’s, you’ll find the Pullman Gallery. It’s a treasure trove of covetable items from the Art Deco period and beyond or, as owner Simon Khachadourian likes to call them, objets de luxe. He’s supplied many pieces to Le Caprice over the years and even proposed to his wife there, so he knows what it takes to get the look right. There’s plenty here to tempt: a 1928 Tantalus set by René Lalique with lockable decanters to stop the servants helping themselves to your favourite tipple, a Cartier ‘partners’ clock from the 1930s with Art Nouveau faces on both front and back so that the time can be told from either side, or how about a pair of Franco Lagini lobster and caviar serving platters as unique table ornaments for your next dinner party? There’s a magnificent sterling silver Hermes champagne cooler for £24,000 that would add panache to any home or, if your pockets run deep enough, a beautiful 1937 Strohmenger demi lune piano is yours for £125,000. For those of more modest budgets, £95 secures a copy of Simon’s definitive guide to cocktail shakers — he’s an authority on the subject and has over three hundred for sale including some rare examples from Tiffany and Asprey that would look as at home in Le Caprice as they would on the set of Mad Men.

lined port-hole windows that offer sneaking glimpses of the busy kitchen beyond. Then there are the Jan Kaplický-designed floor-standing champagne buckets resembling huge fish reaching skywards out of the ocean, gasping for air but being rewarded for their effort with bottles of Laurent Perrier driven into their gaping silver mouths instead. The classic 1970s bistro chairs and framed David Bailey photographs of movie stars and celebrities (proper ones, not reality TV fodder) who’ve eaten here may not be strictly from the age of Arts Décoratifs but they are in keeping with the timeless

glamour of both the restaurant and the neighbourhood. Owner Richard Caring brought in Swedish architect Martin Brudnizki to give it a design refresh in 2011 but he added little more than a black marble floor and an ivory onyx bar to complement the existing monochrome decor. He probably felt Le Caprice didn’t need much updating because like Art Deco itself, true style never goes out of fashion.

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WEST / FOOD

13

WEST / GUIDE

FOOD & DRINK45 Jermyn St.A beacon for breakfast, with service continuing well into the night. Caviar trolley and oysters available on request.45 Jermyn St, SW1Y 6DN,45jermynst.com

Berry Bros. & RuddThe capital’s longest-serving wine and spirit merchants.3 St James’s St, SW1A 1EG,bbr.com

BoulestinClassic French cuisine with outdoor seating on London’s smallest public square. 5 St James’s St, SW1A 1EF,boulestin.com

Cafe MuranoMichelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett’s love song to the cuisine of northern Italy. 33 St James’s St, SW1A1HD, cafemurano.co.uk

Chutney MaryLong-running institution of Indian fine dining. 73 St James’s St, SW1A 1PH,chutneymary.com

Dukes BarHotel bar with impeccable old-world service. A favourite haunt of author Ian Fleming. 35 St James’s Place, SW1A 1NY, dukeshotel.com Fortnum & MasonWorld-famous department

store, grocers to the Queen.181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER,fortnumandmason.com

Franco’sTime-honoured Italian restaurant, one of the first to arrive in London. 61 Jermyn St, SW1Y 6LX,francoslondon.com

Justerini & BrooksWine and spirit merchants, the largest importer of Burgundy and Barolo.61 St James’s St, SW1A 1LZ, justerinis.com

Quaglino’sEvening dining with cult status, mixing glamour and gastronomy. 16 Bury St,SW1Y 6AJ,quaglinos-restaurant.co.uk

The Ritz & Rivoli BarPioneer of fine dining, Michelin starred.150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR,theritzlondon.com

Sake No HanaJapanese haute-cuisine with sculptural bamboo interior by Kengo Kuma. 23 St James’s St, SW1A 1HA,sakenohana.com

WiltonsServing the finest lobster, game and Essex oysters since 1742. 55 Jermyn St,SW1Y 6LX wiltons.co.uk

The WolseleyGrand café with all-day dining in an Art Deco former automobile showroom. 160 Piccadilly, W1J 9EB,thewolseley.com

FASHIONAquascutumThe historic British brand’s Jermyn St. shop is dedicated to classic menswear with a youthful edge. 106 Jermyn St, SW1Y 6EE,aquascutum.co.uk

Barker ShoesAn English tradition for over 135 years, the carefully selected leathers are crafted by hand and unmatched by machines. 18 PrincesArcade, SW1Y 6DSbarker-shoes.co.uk

EmmettShirtmakers with a modern sensibility for pattern.112 Jermyn St, SW1Y 6LS,emmettlondon.com

Emma WillisA one-woman shirtmaking

vision, made in Gloucester.66 Jermyn St, SW1Y 6NY,emmawillis.com

Foster & SonBespoke handmade boots and shoes, crafted in the on-site workshop. 83 Jermyn St, SW1Y 6JD, foster.co.uk

Harvie & HudsonEstablished, respected shirtmakers still run by a Mr Harvie and a Mr Hudson.96 – 97 Jermyn St, SW1Y6JE, harvieandhudson.com

Hilditch & KeyClassic and contemporary cuts by shirtmakers of uncompromising style.73 Jermyn St, SW1Y 6NP,hilditchandkey.co.uk

John LobbTime-honoured craftsmanship, a treasured St James’s bootmaker.9 St James’s St, SW1A 1EF,johnlobbltd.co.uk

Lock & Co.Beloved hatters have been in high demand from street style to couture catwalks ever since creating Admiral Lord Nelson’s tricorne.6 St James’s St, SW1A 1EF,lockhatters.co.uk

LIFESTYLECubittsA spectacles atelier featuring comprehensive eye tests and a range of bespoke handmade frames, named after streets in St James’s.68 Jermyn St, SW1Y 6NY,cubitts.co.uk

DavidoffCigar connoisseurs carrying the full gamut of tobacco-related paraphernalia.35 St James’s St, SW1A 1HD, davidoff.com

D.R. HarrisSt James’s local pharmacy since 1790, with an extensive range of grooming products and fragrances.29 St James’s St, SW1A1HB, drharris.co.uk

BerettaIntricately crafted shooting and hunting wear and accessories from Italy.36 St James’s St, SW1A1JD, beretta.london

FlorisFamily of perfumers, trading from the same spot for nine generations. 89 Jermyn St,SW1Y 6JH, florislondon.com

Truefitt & HillGrooming products and coiffing accoutrements, all made in Britain.71 St James’s St, SW1A1PH, truefittandhill.co.uk

WaterstonesEurope’s largest bookshop stocks more than 200,000 titles in an Art Deco building.203 – 206 Piccadilly,W1J 9HD, waterstones.com

William EvansIndependent gun-makers, plus country essentials from weatherproof clothing to tartan picnic rugs.67a St James’s St,SW1A 1PH, williamevans.com

ARTS & CULTUREMorettiFather and son owned Florentine gallery with expertise in 14th to 18th century Italian Old Masters. 2a – 6 Ryder St, SW1Y 6QA,morettigallery.com

PaisnelPostwar works from the St Ives painters and sculptors.9 Bury St, SW1Y 6AB,paisnelgallery.co.uk

Rafael VallsA Duke Street go-to for Dutch, Flemish and Spanish Old Masters. 11 Duke St,SW1Y 6BN, rafaelvalls.co.uk

Royal Academy of ArtsBritish institution dedicated to promoting art and artists through exhibitions, education and debate.Piccadilly, W1J 0BD,royalacademy.org.uk

Alan CristeaLeading commercial gallery has led the way to Pall Mall with a new space. 43 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5JGalancristea.com

Bernard JacobsonWith white-painted brick and expansive windows, this gallery’s new space reflects its status as the leading dealer in modern British art.28 Duke St, SW1Y 6AG,jacobsongallery.com

Bowman SculptureThis bright space welcomes a devoted crowd of individual sculpture enthusiasts and leading museums. 6 Duke St, St James’s, SW1Y 6BN,bowmansculpture.com

Christie’sThe international auction house, established in St James’s in 1766. 8 King St, SW1Y 6QT,christies.com

ColnaghiSpecialist in Old Masters since the 18th century.26 Bury St, SW1Y 6AL,colnaghi.com

Daniel CrouchMaps and atlases from the 15th to 19th centuries.4 Bury St, SW1Y 6AB,crouchrarebooks.com

David GillContemporary gallery of furniture design, including Zaha Hadid and Ron Arad.2 – 4 King St, SW1Y 6QP,davidgillgallery.com

Illustration CupboardA gallery of original illustrative works, from childhood books to political satire and emerging talent.22 Bury St, SW1Y 6AL,illustrationcupboard.com

Sims ReedPrints and works on paper from anyone who was anyone in the last 50 years. 43a Duke St, SW1Y 6DD,simsreed.com

SkarstedtThe New York dealer amasses works by an artist or a particular era for truly definitive shows. 8 Bennet St, SW1A 1RP, skarstedt.com

Stern PissarroModern, impressionist and contemporary art, established by Lélia Pissarro and David Stern.66 St James’s St, SW1A1NE, pissarro.art

Thomas DaneContemporary newcomer, featuring such luminaries as Michael Landy and Steve McQueen.3 & 11 Duke St, SW1Y 6BN,thomasdanegallery.com

White CubeStriking modern gallery created from an old electricity substation.25 – 26 Mason’s Yard,SW1Y 6BU, whitecube.com

Whitford Fine ArtFrench and British 20th century paintings and advice on building a collection.6 Duke St, SW1Y 6BNwhitfordfineart.com

Drink your way through St James’s unparalleled history at The Stafford London’s famous bar

Words: Tom Kihl

The New American

The nature of cocktail bars has always been to keenly follow the trends and fashions of the day. This proclivity also means dependable flirtations with our enduring love of retro glamour, too. The Stafford London’s recent relaunch of their American Bar sees such atmospheric mixology perfectly balanced.

Back in the 1920s and 30s, many of London’s hotels jumped at the chance to lure Americans freed from prohibition back home by offering punchy Manhat-tans and Martinis and changing the name over the door to match. The Stafford’s American Bar is one of the last to have kept the moniker. Its other traditions have also been fully respected; the walls heavy with signed celeb portraits and intriguing gifts acquired over the decades.

What is new, other than the expan-sive marble bar top and Italian and

Spanish infused food offer-ings, is a new collection of cocktails that pays homage to some of the great personalities and places that have given the surrounding neighbourhood its truly unique flavour over hundreds of years.

The ‘A Journey Through St James’s’ cocktail menu makes for a fascinating read, before you’ve even had a sip of one of the specially created drinks. Maybe you’ll opt for The QM, a blend of Tanqueray No.10 with two parts Dubonnet and a slice of lemon tucked under the ice. It’s a tribute to the bar’s regular patron, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, known to get started on her first drink of the day at noon.

The Stafford’s role during WWII is highlighted via Three Dots And A Dash, a

Rochelle Canteen at the ICA, The Mall, SW1Y 5AH, arnoldandhenderson.com

serious rum, whiskey and coffee syrup blend named after the Morse Code for ‘V’ as in Victory. During the War, US and Canadian officers were stationed at the hotel and the 380-year-old wine cellars were used as the air raid shelter.

Further perusal of the list reveals a cast of St James’s characters, from a fruity gin-based tribute to Jermyn Street’s original dandy, Beau Brummell, to The White Mouse, a drink borrowing the nickname of hotel guest Nancy Wake, the French Resistance heroine who evaded Gestapo capture.

Dipping deliciously into the realms of locally-associated fiction, there’s The Moonraker, a potent homage to 007 creator Ian Fleming, often found prop-ping up bars in the area in much the same manner as his famous spy. You can also sink The Moriarty, where tequila and mezcal pay tribute to Sherlock Holmes great nemesis, who first tries to kill the famous pipe-smoking detective as he departs a club in St James’s.

Who thought a history lesson could ever be so tasty?

16-18 St James’s Place, SW1A 1NJ thestaffordlondon.com

1. Café Murano33 St James’s St,

St James’s, SW1A 1HD

Pasta Perfection ٠ p4 The Italian staples at Angela Hartnett’s

Café Murano are a cut above the rest.

2. Berry Bros. & Rudd63 Pall Mall, St James’s, SW1Y 5HZ

Wine, Women and History ٠ p6 Learn about the brains behind one of Britain’s best-loved wine merchants.

3. Illustration Cupboard 22 Bury St, St James’s, SW1Y 6AL

Fountain of Youth ٠ p8 Take a trip down memory lane at

Illustration Cupboard, a fairytale oasis of children’s book art.

4. Le Caprice20 Arlington St, St James’s, SW1A 1RJ

Art Deco at Le Caprice and Pullman Gallery ٠ p10

Travel through time to the roaring 20s with the art deco style at Le Caprice.

5. Pullman Gallery 14 King St, St James’s, SW1Y 6QU

Art Deco at Le Caprice and Pullman Gallery ٠ p11

Delve into the treasure trove of covetable items from the art deco

period at Pullman Gallery.

6. The Stafford London 16 St James’s Place,

St James’s, SW1A 1NJ

The New American ٠ p12 Drink your way through St James’s

unparalleled history at The Stafford London’s famous bar.

7. Realbuzz33 Regent Street St James’s

St James’s, SW1Y 4ND

Creating a Buzz ٠ p17 Realbuzz, the high-tech fitness

retailer, has opened its doors at Regent Street St James’s.

8. St James’s MarketSt James’s Market, SW1Y 4AH

Focus On: Secret Autumn Mkt ٠ p18St James’s Market is lively with events this year, from secret music sessions to pop-up wine markets.

9. Aspinal of London 16 Regent Street St James’s,St James’s, SW1Y 4PH

Quintessential Aspinal ٠ p20Step inside Aspinal of London and it’s as if you’ve been transported to a fabulous home in the Cotswolds.

10. Showcase 12 Regent Street St James’s,St James’s, SW1Y 4PE

Design Time ٠ p21 Showcase’s iconic store is just one of the St James’s institutions that took part in the London Design Festival.

Showcase in St James’s ٠ p22 Showcase is the secret source of many a fashionista’s most standout pieces.

11. IkoyiSt James’s Market, St James’s, SW1Y 4AH

Real Food, Real Fiesta ٠ p24 The West-African cuisine of Ikoyi is one of St James’s Market’s treasures, and was a highlight of London Restaurant Festival.

12. Rochelle Canteen at the ICAThe Mall, St James’s, SW1Y 5AH

Catering Together ٠ p26 Arnold & Henderson have taken the culinary helm at the ICA’s café.

Welcome to St James’s

Navigate your way through the streets and articles of the Correspondent from

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EAST / FASHION

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EAST / GUIDE

FOOD & DRINKTonkotsu at AnzuJapanese brasserie by the masterminds from Tonkotsu.1 Norris Street, SW1Y 4RJ,anzulondon.com

AquavitNordic restaurant which has just earned its first Michelin star. 1 Carlton Street,SW1Y 4QQ,aquavitrestaurants.com

Baby Bao Enjoy Taiwanese street food in steamed buns and on small plates from London’s first Baby Bao. 66 Haymarket, SW1Y 4RW babybaolondon.com

Duck & Waffle LocalBright, modern, fast-food style restaurant with duck-based menu, cask wines and cocktails on tap. 52 Haymarket, SW1Y 4RP,duckandwafflelocal.com

IkoyiA modern twist on authentic West African flavours in a chic space.1 St James’s Market,SW1Y 4AH, ikoyilondon.com

MilosHigh-end seafood with fresh fish flown in daily from Greece. 1 Regent Street St James’s, SW1Y 4NR, milos.ca

San CarloA must for lovers of fine Italian cuisine. 2 Regent Street St James’s, SW1Y 4LR, sancarlo.co.uk

Ole & SteenHeavenly bakery from Denmark’s favourites.56 Haymarket, SW1Y 4RP, oleandsteen.co.uk

Paxton & WhitfieldLondon’s oldest cheese shop, ages its rounds to perfection in cellars beneath.93 Jermyn Street, SW1Y 6JE,paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk

Rowley’sPeerless entrecôte steak and skinny fries, served in a Victorian butchers featuring beautiful original tiles.113 Jermyn Street, SW1Y 6HJ,rowleys.co.uk

Scully St James’sThe former NOPI head chef strikes out on his own with a seriously creative menu. 4 St James’s Market, SW1Y 4AH, scullyrestaurant.com

Urban Tea RoomsSmart all-day cafe with homemade cakes and British/international snacks.2a St James’s Market, SW1Y 4SB, urbantearooms.com

FASHION Church’sShoemakers have followed in this company’s footsteps since their 1881 invention: differently-shaped shoes for right and left feet. 108 –110 Jermyn Street, SW1Y 6EE, church-footwear.com

Dover Street MarketFive floors of beautiful chaos, a labyrinth of fashion and lifestyle goodies, plus Rose Bakery upstairs. 18 – 22 Haymarket, SW1Y 4DG,doverstreetmarket.com

JM WestonShoemakers to French presidents, their London shop mixes English manners with Gallic flair and finesse.60 Jermyn Street, SW1Y 6LX,jmweston.com

Joseph Cheaney & SonsContemporary, hand-crafted shoes with over 150 years of history to boot.21b Jermyn St, SW1Y 6HP,cheaney.co.uk

John SmedleyBritish-made cashmere, cottons and knits since the late 18th century. 55 JermynSt, SW1Y 6LX,johnsmedley.com

N.PealSeasonal cashmere collections for men and women, from Mongolia.217 Piccadilly, W1J 9HW,npeal.com

New & LingwoodFrom tailored paisley dinner jackets to luxury gowns and shoes, plus Eton uniforms, all from a fully revamped store.53 Jermyn St, SW1Y 6LX,newandlingwood.com

Paul & SharkItalian clothing brand founded in 1975 by Paolo Dini, specialising in technical materials. 20 Regent Street St James’s, SW1Y 4PH,paulandshark.co.uk

ShowcaseShowcase work with the world’s leading houses to give customers access to the best fashion and design.12 Regent Street St James’s, SW1Y 4PE, showcase.co

SunspelHome-grown experts in modern luxury basics, introduced boxer shorts to the UK and reintroduced a line in the coveted Sea Island Cotton. 21a Jermyn St,SW1Y 6LT, sunspel.com

Tiger of SwedenFashion-forward brand that started life in a remote Swedish fishing village in 1903. 210 Piccadilly, W1J9HL, tigerofsweden.com

Turnbull & AsserHighly respected shirtmakers with a colourful history. 71–72 JermynStreet, SW1Y 6PF,turnbullandasser.com

LIFESTYLEArc’teryxAcclaimed Canadian technical apparel company’s UK flagship 212 Piccadilly,St. James’s, W1J 9HL,arcteryx.com

Aspinal of LondonTimelessly handcrafted leather goods, plus in-store gifting and personalisation service too. 16 Regent Street St James’s, SW1Y 4PH,aspinaloflondon.com

ASSOSPrecision cycle gear, worn by commuters and Tour de France competitors alike.18 Regent Street St James’sSW1Y 4PH, assos.com

RealbuzzThe ‘get fit and stay fit’ specialists bring their curated selection of running and training gear to a brand new flagship store. 33 Regent Street St James’s, SW1Y 4ND realbuzzstore.com

The Bike RoomsClean, white space with racks of sleek big-brand bicycles, showing how technical forms can transcend into art. 4 Regent Street St James’s,SW1Y 4PE, thebikerooms.com

JigsawThe St James’s Emporium stocks Jigsaw womenswear and menswear, A by Jigsaw and gifting and beauty from The Shop at Bluebird. 22 Regent Street, SW1Y 4PH,jigsaw-online.com

FarlowsKitting out country gentlemen for 175 years, with leather bags for shooting and walls of brightly coloured fishing lures. 9 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5NP,farlows.co.uk

La MartinaOutfitters and accessory makers to the Federation of International Polo and the English national team.23 Jermyn Street, SW1Y 6ST,lamartina.com

Maison AssoulineIndulge in lifestyle reverie in the Maison Assouline with their cases of luxe books.196a Piccadilly, W1J 9EY,assouline.com

OrvisOutdoor specialists who have moved from Dover Street into a larger, modern space. 11b Regent Street St James’s, SW1Y 4LR,orvis.co.uk

Osprey LondonLeather goods, handpicked homewares from across the globe, with a charming café in the old vaults below. 27 Regent Street St James’s,SW1Y 4NQ,ospreylondon.com

SmegFeaturing the full range, including hand-painted Dolce & Gabbana fridges and cookery demo auditorium.St James’s Market,SW1Y 4PH, smeglondon.com

ARTS & CULTUREPhilip MouldThe celebrity dealer has furnished this huge three-storey space with a focus on British art through the ages. 18 – 19 Pall Mall,SW1Y 5LU, philipmould.com

DickinsonBold gallery with impressive, hidden space, leaders in British Old Masters. 58 Jermyn St, SW1Y 6LX,simondickinson.com

ICACutting-edge gallery, showing innovative film, photography and digital art. The Mall,SW1Y 5AH, ica.org.uk

Jermyn Street TheatreLondon’s best off-West End theatre. 16b Jermyn Street, SW1Y 6ST,jermynstreettheatre.co.uk

Mall GalleriesHome of the Federation of British Artists, and venue for annual art society reviews and competitions. The Mall,SW1Y, mallgalleries.org.uk

Theatre Royal HaymarketGrand theatre, also home of Masterclass programme of free acting classes. 18 Suffolk St, SW1Y 4HT, trh.co.uk

WeissDramatic gallery with works older than St James’s, dealing in Tudor and Stuart portraiture. 59 Jermyn St,SW1Y 6LX, weissgallery.com

The London LibraryThe UK’s leading literary institution with one million books in over 50 languages. 14 St James’s Square, SW1Y 4LG, londonlibrary.co.uk

Creating a Buzz

St James’s newcomer Realbuzz is more than just a hi-tech fitness retailer, as

Paul Eaton tells usInterview: Tom Kihl

How did it all begin?The Realbuzz Group was founded in 2000 by our Chairman, Tim Rogers, who has completed over 70 marathons and is a former world record holder for running the fastest time for an official marathon on all seven continents. He started with health and fitness website realbuzz.com, and built up a vibrant community of people from all walks of life with one thing in common - a passion for challenging themselves to achieve new goals, no matter what their ability level.

We’ve now partnered with London Marathon Events Ltd for over 15 years, creating the websites and online entry systems for all their races. Our team is closely involved with their charity

In 2016 we took our first steps into retail both on the high street and online. Our customers join an ecosystem which helps them train better, find new challenges, and buy the right clothing, footwear and accessories to achieve those goals.

Why is it important to be on Regent Street St James’s?We wanted an iconic location that would take your breath away, both in terms of the store itself, and the area around it. It’s safe to say we found that here. Retailing in such a prestigious area is key to our relationships with customers and our brand partners. People are always blown away when they use our in-store treadmills and look out over the world famous giant screens of Piccadilly Circus. The fitness industry is booming, so what makes Realbuzz different?Traditional running and fitness retailers can feel intimidating and elitist, especially for beginners. A visit to Realbuzz aims to be a more approachable, enjoyable experience. There’s a sense of theatre to the store, with themed zones featuring information cards, posters and interesting objects to educate customers on everything from nutrition to training. Whether they’ve just joined the gym and want some beginner kit, or they need footwear for

their latest ultramarathon, our aim is that every customer leaves feeling special. 

What tips would you give someone kitting themselves out for autumn?This season there are two main considerations to bear in mind when training outdoors - staying safe and staying warm. As the nights draw in, it’s important to be seen by road users and pedestrians, but this doesn’t mean you need head-to-toe luminescent neon clothing. We stock a range of kit featuring more subtle reflective panels and prints that will still provide more than enough visibility. If you’re training off-road with limited lighting, consider a head torch. 

Temperatures can vary greatly in autumn, so plan your clothing in layers. Always start with a compression base layer, which have come on leaps and bounds in recent years. You’ll find that they’re now extremely thin and comfortable, whilst still offering moisture-wicking materials. You can then add extra layers if it’s cold, or a waterproof jacket if it might rain. Remember, it’s always better to remove layers mid-session because you’re too hot, than to get cold with extra layers sitting in a drawer at home.

“we wanted an iconic location that would take

your breath away”

programme too, which holds the record for the biggest single day fundraising event in the world. This has led to us providing online platforms and charity fundraising at more of the world’s biggest marathons, triathlons and obstacle events.

33 Regent Street St James’s, SW1Y 4ND realbuzzstore.com

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EAST / EVENTS EAST / EVENTS

How did you come up with the concept?The streetfood scene had hit London, but there wasn’t anything similar for wine. There weren’t many independent events or consumer tastings either. People wanted to drink better wine but were relying on supermarkets and reluctant to use independent shops. This is what gave me the idea for Wine Car Boot. We aim to provide a relaxed, engaging space that gives people the option to shop, taste, learn or just drink - and have fun. We swapped spittoons for a soundsystem and water biscuits for streetfood. Everyone should feel they can drink good wine, and that doesn’t necessarily have to mean expensive, either.

Tell us about the pop-ups at St James’s Market. It’s very similar to a farmers’ market – all the featured shops have a stall where you can buy bottles to take away, taste samples with tokens or buy by the glass or bottle to enjoy right there. We have food from local restaurants; Café Murano bring their delicious fresh pasta (see p.4) and arancini; Paxton & Whitfield bring amazing cheese; while Tonkotsu steam Gyoza and Redchurch Brewery serve cold beers to cleanse the palate between wines. There’s something for everyone whether you’re a solo shopper, drinking with mates or bringing the family for a nice day out.

Why do you think St James’s Market works so well for Wine Car Boot?Well, we’re right in the middle of the capital, surrounded by so much history and the beautiful architecture of St James’s. It’s very easy to get to, so we see a lot of regulars but also new people passing through. It has a real market vibe

Wine Car Boot have a new home for their acclaimed outdoor pop-ups here in St James’s Market. We spoke to co-founder Ruth Spivey A Christmas of experiences awaits

Focus On: Secret Autumn Mkt

Focus On: Festive

St James’sInterview: Sophie Renouf

Keep an eye on stjameslondon.co.uk/events for upcoming Wine Car Boot dates

and we’ve had a warm welcome from all the local restaurants and businesses, too.

What kind of wines can visitors expect to try? Most bottles retail for under £20, with plenty around the £10 mark too. We try to work with shops who have wines from authentic producers making wine in a sustainable way. There’s every style from classic to quirky, new world, old world as well as the new wave bag-in-box, Bagnums and cans. We have a range of retailers, from long-standing local merchants such as Berry Bros & Rudd (see p.6), to new style stores specialising in a particular region or style.

RUTH’S TOP 3 WINE TASTING TIPS

Taste as much as possible, all the time. Open several bottles at once and drink them over several days to see how they compare. Most will last that long and you’ll get a real understanding for how they each change and develop too.

Don’t write-off a variety, country or region just because you tasted one bottle you didn’t like.

Keep the wine in your mouth, swirl it round to get the most out of it - if you swallow straight away you’ll miss a lot of the flavour and style.

Of all times of year, St James’s is probably at its most atmospheric over the bustling days and twinkling nights of Christmas. The neighbourhood offers a truly unique and authentic festive experience, whether that’s for the ultimate in present-buying options, or immersing yourself thoroughly into the spirit of the occasion at a whole range of seasonal events and gatherings.

The ongoing St James’s Masterclasses take an inevitable yuletide bent, with present-making workshops, new crafts to be learned and other festive-themed one-offs, ideal if you want to add the most personal touch to your gifts. Details of all workshops can be found on the website link below.

Those in more of a hurry can equally rely on St James’s to provide all manner of bespoke items and

experiences to go under the tree. From personalised gifts such as Aspinal of London’s engraved luggage, timeless embroidery, monogramming and fitted shirts at Jermyn Street icons such as Turnbull & Asser, or even creating your own scent at esteemed perfumers Floris.

The Christmas lights are turned on ceremonially this November 15th, marked by a special late-night shopping event that evening throughout St James’s – an area that’s your ultimate one-stop destination for all things festive.

Details of all St James’s festive events can be found at: stjameslondon.co.uk

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To truly know London’s leather goods experts, one needs only venture through these doors

EAST / SHOPPING EAST / DESIGN

Quintessential Aspinal

Words: Miranda Eason

16 Regent Street St James’s, SW1Y 4PH, aspinaloflondon.com

Step inside Aspinal of London on Regent Street St James’s and it’s as if you’ve been magically transported to the Cotswolds’ home of your most fabulous friend. The flagship store from the English lifestyle brand famed for its leather bags, wallets and purses opened late last year, with award-winning agency Caulder Moore behind the interior design. It brings together the talents of some of the country’s finest craftspeople under the same roof. You get an instant feel for the luxe Aspinal spirit in every detail, which deftly combines the warmth and comfort of said English country home with the contemporary elegance of a grand London townhouse.

Not been yet? Make sure you check out the statement brass screen entryway with a pattern inspired by the English countryside on the way in. This sets the tone nicely and is echoed by molded woodland animals inside, and foliage which winds its way from room to room. The impressive hallway features a sweeping rich oak staircase, enormous sparkling chandelier, paneled wall hung with paintings and a grand fireplace, one of four that appear in the store.

The ground floor is divided into the four distinct areas, a double-height drawing room, ultra-feminine boudoir, clubby billiards room and a library/bar where purchases are personalised and paid for. The signature leather handbags, purses, business bags, travel holdalls and colourful accessories and gifts which Aspinal is renowned for are displayed temptingly throughout and there are exclusive-to-the-flagship one-off designs.

Upstairs is the member’s room. Wonderfully there’s no lengthy waiting list or complicated nomination process in order to become a member. All customers are welcome to relax on the jewel-coloured seating in the spacious and sumptuous room, whether waiting for purchases to be personalised downstairs, or having a one-to-one to discuss individual needs.

With an AW18 collection inspired by that most majestic of creatures, the lion, and a host of new bags including the retro-style Mollie satchel, mini and micro-sized hat box bags and the just-big-enough Blogger bag, the truly unique Aspinal flagship store should be top of your must-visit list this season. While you are there, also be sure to check out the hot collaboration with acclaimed designer Giles Deacon, who brings his couture elements to a playful and inspired new collection.

“as if you’ve been transported to the Cotswolds’ home of your most fabulous

friend”

Design TimeThe 2018 London Design Festival saw this area

showcased as never beforeWords: Tom Kihl

Over the last decade and a half, the London Design Festival (LDF) has grown to earn itself a place in the calendar among the world’s leading celebrations of creativity. Its 16th edition, spanning nine days in mid-September, was the biggest one yet, clocking up a staggering 3.3 million visitors across its various locations, many of them open-air and accessible to a curious public.

It marked the debut of the Regent Street & St James’s Design District, a showcase of the neighbourhood’s unrivalled collection of design-focused residents, from independent art galleries and artisanal tailors to global brand flagship stores and one-off pop-ups, just for the event.

On Regent Street, the world’s first 3D-printed fashion accessories shop, Bottletop, (hewn from layers of recycled plastic waste, no less) pulled in big crowds, all keen to learn more about the innovative strides being made in engineering using old bottles.

What else did we love? Getting out and about on a guided bike tour with cyclewear trailblazers Rapha, learning about the conversion of a grand old Lloyds Bank into the latest cutting edge fitness club E by Equinox, (which also involved a local run, phew!), the beautiful live shirt-making at Emma Willis on Jermyn St and the pop-up gallery showcasing the most wonderous, colourful examples of modern Mexican art and design, too.

After getting off to a flyer in this inaugural year, expect even more unique events and attractions already in the pipeline for 2019’s London Design Festival, in and around St James’s.

See stjameslondon.co.uk for more about 2018 and info on next year’s LDF events in the area

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EAST / FASHION

A completely new and unique shopping concept is coming to St James’s this October. Showcase, the rapidly expanding private sale pioneers (and secret source of many a fashionista’s most standout pieces), are making the move from roving pop-up, to bricks and mortar. Their centrally located first permanent home will soon be located at 12 Regent Street St James’s. The store will combine exclusive sales from some of the world’s most coveted brands with the Next Big Thing, a platform for emerging designers.

Having hosted more than 250 private sales across the capital over the past half decade from the likes of Christopher Kane, Charlotte Olympia and Mary Katrantzou, the shop will now be the exclusive location for Showcase’s sought-after sales. In order to gain access to events, customers must sign up at the Showcase website. The private shopping events will run anywhere from one to four days each, and there will be around six to eight events per month, giving fashion lovers many opportunities throughout the year to purchase one-off pieces from high end brands.

The Next Big Thing retail concept will bring together a carefully curated line up of more than 40 of the most exciting emerging designers across fashion, jewellery, accessories and lifestyle, which will grow and evolve over the seasons as new designers are added to the offering. Many of the brands are British designed and made, celebrating contemporary British talent, textiles and skills.

Fashion brands lined up for the October launch include British knitwear designer Genevieve Sweeny, who fuses

traditional techniques with contemporary designs and unusual yarn combinations to create standout sweaters for men and women, and high end menswear brand Advani, which combines European style and craftsmanship with an Indian twist, inspired by the cross-cultural flair of founder Abhishek Advani’s grandparents.

Also on the roster are St Piece, who are a London-based print design studio specialising in highly decorated silk scarves and accessories for men and women and Troy, a made-in-Britain label focusing on outerwear and wardrobe staples with a modern English country feel such as wax parkas and twill dungarees, founded by sisters Rosie van Cutsem and Lucia Ruck Keene.

There will be jewellery from Sini Kolari whose hand crafted silver pieces are inspired by the changing Nordic seasons, wandering in nature, slow mornings and the sound of rain, and art you can wear by Monica Maja Richardson, who prints her own original abstract paintings onto fabric which are then turned into beautiful kaftans, scarves, sarongs and cushions. Plus many, many more.

The building was designed by renowned cinema architect Robert Cromie and has been home to the Paris Cinema and, more recently, a BBC radio studio. Summer Creative are the visionaries behind the new interior concept and design. Alongside the Next Big Thing permanent collection there will be an elegant lounge area and all day café serving coffee with beans by The Lands End Coffee Company. This emerging micro coffee roaster from

Cornwall run small batches of sustainably sourced single-origin coffee, supporting women’s cooperatives and farms, so you can feel good about that inevitable post-shopping caffeine break, too.

Sign up for exclusive access to retail events, fashion exhibitions and more on their website below.

EAST / FASHION

Showcase in St James’s

The fashionista’s fave pop-up goes permanentWords: Miranda Eason

Photo: Benjamin Szabo Photography

“Next Big Thing brings together over 40 exciting

emerging designers”

12 Regent Street St James’s, SW1Y 4PE showcase.co

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EAST / FOODEAST / FOOD

“Little did we know in 2009 just how far the city’s restaurant scene could travel,” says London Restaurant Festival (LRF) founder Simon Davis. The month-long extravaganza is turning ten this year: October sees a vast array of food-related events taking place across the metropolis. More than 60, including tasting menus from Monica Galetti, Jose Pizarro and Ben Chapman and talks with acclaimed culinarians Pierre Koffmann and Andrew Wong, hosted by critic Richard Vines.

2018 will salute the landscape’s international nature, with top cuisines being represented: Bill Granger is flying in from Australia to cook, husband and wife Dylan Jones and Duangporn ‘Bo’ Songvisava from Bo.Lan in Bangkok team up with Som Saa, and Galician Javier Olleros is also here to work alongside Nieves Barragan Mohacho at Sabor.

A staple has always been the restaurant-hopping tour, where diners pick an area and get the opportunity to enjoy a course at five different places in that neighbourhood. The ultimate way to feast around a part of town. Two excursions will take place here in St James’s, one British-based, the other reaching further afield. The former includes Duck & Waffle Local, Magpie, Stem, Fishworks and Heddon Street Kitchen; the latter and features courses at Ikoyi (see box opposite), Sakagura, Milos, Tibits and Momo. An exclusive sector with a long-established reputation as the home of fine dining and innovation, modern fuses with traditional to create a truly original dining district.

Real Food, Real FiestaLondon Restaurant Festival sees a star-studded

line-up of the world’s top chefs in the capital

WHAT TO EXPECT AT... IKOYIThis intimate space in St James’s Market draws guests’ eyes with its terracotta colour palette. Specialising in West African cuisine, it’s named after the prosperous quarter of Lagos.

Kick proceedings off with a Palm Punch, a transparent concoction of rum, tiger nut and spices. Then peruse the concise menu: for dinner, a blind tasting menu is usually served, based on seasonality. During London Restaurant Festival, guests can savour Iberico presa suya and hibiscus miso, with celeriac egusi. At other times you may encountrer smoked crab jollof rice, a fiery yet delicate plate, butter-soft octopus and peas (above) or aromatic and spicy duck uda.

Everything is presented on bespoke, eye-catching and colourful ceramics.

Words: Laura Evans

Find out more about the global cuisine available across St James’s at: stjameslondon.co.uk

1 St James’s Market, SW1Y 4AH

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EAST / PRIZE DRAWEAST / FOOD & DRINK

“There’s such a

gentle pace to this part

of town”

Catering Together Win Dinner for Two at San CarloMeet the double act behind Rochelle Bar & Canteen at the ICA

A fantastic Italian feast is up for grabs in this issue’s prize draw

It is a little over a year since the acclaimed caterers Melanie Arnold and Margot Henderson (Arnold & Henderson) took the culinary helm at the Institute of Contemporary Arts. In this time, the pair have transformed the ICA’s café into the second outpost of their hugely successful Rochelle Canteen (its forerunner is in Shoreditch), while also running all the in-house catering for the pioneering Institute, too.

Their recent residency came about shortly after they’d catered a series of fundraising events in New York for the ICA’s director, Stefan Kalmár. Having just accepted his tenure at the Institute, he was keen to have them join him at The Mall. “I think we suited the aesthetic,” says Margot, “he was looking for a much smaller, more hands-on company to run the space,” continues Melanie, one of multiple occasions the duo complete each other’s sentences when we meet for a chat.

The pair’s symbiosis is little surprise; they’ve been partners since 1995 when they launched the catering part of their business while running Soho’s The French House Dining Room with their husbands.

Rochelle at the ICA is all minimal chic, with a lush inside garden and huge sash windows overlooking The Mall. “It’s an endlessly exciting strip to be on,” says Melanie, just as a convoy of blackout windowed cars flanked by police hurtle their way past. The two of them clearly

delight in every aspect of working here in thriving St James’s. “The grounds are so beautiful, as are all of the old school galleries and the auction house out back,” Melanie continues. “There is such a gentle pace to this part of town.”

Rochelle Canteen boasts an all-day bar and restaurant; the menu, curated by Margot, places an emphasis on quality seasonal food, as locally sourced as possible. Joking that she’s had her eye on the chard from the cottage on St James’s Park for a few months now.

Above the restaurant are rooms lined by Palladian pillars with inimitable views of the city. “A lot of people host catered events here because they know our food and style,” says Melanie, “others come for these beautiful rooms.” The pair have simple unpretentious knowledge, acquired from experience and intuition; “The essence of any party is to have fun,” they say, together, of course.

Words: Clare Hand

Rochelle Canteen at the ICA, The Mall, SW1Y 5AH, arnoldandhenderson.com

In the last edition of the Correspondent, we highlighted five things you needed to know about St James’s hottest new food opening, San Carlo.

Now, with a successful debut summer under its belt, the restaurant has truly got into its stride, offering seasonal dishes using only the finest Italian produce.

Bespoke furniture, rare marble fittings and Christian Lacroix fabrics throughout also lend the dining experi-ence plenty of glamour.

This issue, we’ve teamed up with San Carlo to offer a complimentary dinner for two to a lucky Correspondent reader.

If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning, simply enter your name and contact details into the prize draw by emailing us now at: competition@stjameslondon.co.uk

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